On July 24, the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), and Uzbekneftegaz signed a production sharing agreement (PSA).
The document provides for geological exploration and further production of hydrocarbons in investment blocks of the Ustyurt oil and gas region.
Within the framework of the PSA, 3D seismic exploration is planned to be carried out on an area of at least 1,000 square kilometers. If a commercial deposit is discovered, the parties will proceed to its development and production.
“The partnership with SOCAR reflects New Uzbekistan’s strategic desire to diversify its sources of investment and introduce best international practices. The Ustyurt region has high potential, and the signing of the PSA opens up new horizons for its effective development. We are confident that this project will be an important driver of technological progress and economic growth,” said Minister of Energy Dzhurabek Mirzamahmudov.
“The signing of this agreement is evidence of our long-term strategy for the development of the energy sector in Central Asia and the Caspian region. SOCAR is enthusiastic about implementing the project, applying its accumulated experience and advanced technological solutions,” said SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf.
Uzbekneftegaz Chairman Bakhodir Sidikov said the agreement would strengthen the company’s position as a “reliable and innovation-oriented partner open to international cooperation and large-scale investments.”
In May 2018, Uzbekneftegaz SOCAR and BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) signed a memorandum proposing that the companies consider joint geological exploration of the Aralmore, Samsko-Kosbulak, and Baiterek investment blocks in the Ustyurt district.
Regular local elections in Ukraine, which according to electoral law should have taken place on the last Sunday of October this year simultaneously across the country, will not be held, according to the Central Election Commission.
“The date of such elections shall be set by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine no later than 90 days before the day of voting. In connection with the full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine, martial law has been introduced, during which no elections shall be organized or held. Therefore, the decision to schedule regular local elections has not been made by parliament,” the CEC said in a statement on its website.
In view of this, the CEC states that there are no grounds for submitting candidates to local territorial election commissions or for forming new territorial election commissions at various levels to prepare and conduct local elections in Ukraine.
The CEC also drew the attention of local political party organizations, which are responsible for submitting candidates to the TEC, that the prerequisite for submitting nominations is the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine of a decision on the appointment of regular local elections and the determination of the date for their conduct.
“If it weren’t for Russia’s aggression and the terrible war it started against Ukraine, we would now be entering the period of preparation and organization of regular local elections. In particular, in accordance with the requirements of the electoral law, local branches of political parties would have the opportunity to submit nominations for the new composition of territorial election commissions. However, during the period of martial law, no elections are organized or held, so the members of the TEC, whose composition was formed during the regular local elections on October 25, 2020, continue to exercise their powers until the formation of the new composition of the relevant territorial election commission,” explained Commission member Serhiy Postyvy.
The plants of the Ostchem nitrogen holding, which unites the nitrogen businesses of Group DF, produced 849,900 tons of mineral fertilizers in January-June 2025, down 7.47% from the same period in 2024, when 918,500 tons of fertilizers were produced, according to a press release issued by the holding on Monday.
According to the report, Cherkasy Azot produced 567,100 tons of products in the first half of the year, which is 21% less than last year. Rivneazot increased production by 40.9% to 282,700 tons from 200,700 tons last year.
The overall decline in production at the holding company was explained by forced equipment shutdowns at Azot in Cherkasy in the first quarter of 2025, as well as unstable energy supplies. During this period, the holding company redistributed production loads between plants and increased fertilizer production at Rivneazot.
“Our priority remains the stable supply of fertilizers to Ukrainian farmers, even in the most difficult times. The success of spring and autumn field work depends on this. In wartime, technological flexibility, adaptability, and non-standard management decisions are paramount for us as a manufacturer. In addition, we continue to invest in production stability and energy efficiency,” said Ostchem Production Director Serhiy Pavliuchuk.
The holding company specified that the production structure has changed slightly compared to last year. In the first half of the year, ammonium nitrate was the most produced product, with 355,700 tons. Last year, this figure was 362,900 tons. UAN came in second place with a production volume of 308,900 tons. In this segment, the share of Ukrainian production remains high due to the logistical advantages of Ukrainian manufacturers. Urea came in third with 138,300 tons (183,600 tons last year). A small share of production falls on VAS – 16,200 tons and ammonia – 22,600 tons.
The release notes that against the backdrop of declining domestic production, the flow of uncontrolled cheap imports into Ukraine continues to grow: in the first half of the year, 1.5 million tons of traditional fertilizers (nitrogen and complex) were imported into Ukraine, including 828,000 tons of nitrogen fertilizers. At the same time, imports of ammonium nitrate amounted to 190,000 tons (176,600 tons last year), urea – 379,600 tons (311,300 tons), and UAN – 61,490 tons (50,800 tons).
“For the first time, the volume of urea imports has more than doubled the volume of Ukrainian production, which is an alarming signal for the entire industry and requires systemic solutions,” Ostchem concluded.
Ostchem is a nitrogen holding company owned by Dmitry Firtash’s Group DF, which brings together the largest mineral fertilizer producers in Ukraine.
Since 2011, it has included Rivneazot and Cherkasy Azot, as well as Severodonetsk Azot and Stirol, which are not operating and are located in the occupied territories.
Cherkasy Azot (Cherkasy, Ukraine) is one of Ukraine’s largest chemical companies. Its design production capacity is 962,700 tons of ammonia per year, 970,000 tons of ammonium nitrate per year, 891,600 tons of urea per year, and 1 million tons of UAN per year.
PJSC Rivneazot is one of the largest chemical companies in Western Ukraine. On April 12, 2024, Group DF and South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering signed an agreement to build a chemical hub in Rivne. The project involves the construction of plants for the production of green ammonia and hydrogen based on renewable energy sources, as well as new enterprises and production sites for the production of nitrogen fertilizers and chemical derivatives.
Polish Unimot S.A. plans to build a fuel and energy complex in Mostyska, Lviv region, with an estimated investment of EUR 55-60 million, according to Nazariy Volyansky, director of government relations in Ukraine at Unimot S.A.
“We have already purchased land in western Ukraine, in Mostyska. This will be a large fuel and energy complex project, a fuel terminal worth around EUR 55-60 million,“ he said during a roundtable discussion entitled ”Freedom for business and new investment opportunities: how the government, regions, and business are launching recovery” at Interfax-Ukraine on Monday.
He added that the company has already submitted an application to the Ministry of Economy to be recognized as a significant investor and is counting on receiving certain incentives from the state.
“We hope that we will receive them and start this project. It is currently in the active preparation stage,” he said.
Volyansky clarified that the land plot in question “includes a railway.”
As reported, the European Union has decided to provide Ukraine with EUR 76 million in grant aid for the construction of a European gauge railway between Lviv and the border with Poland. Sknyliv-Mostyska II will be the first full-fledged section of the future direct railway connection with Europe.
Founded in 2011, UNIMOT S.A. is an independent importer of liquid and gaseous fuels, offering diesel fuel, biofuel, liquefied gas, natural gas, electricity, motor oils, and bitumen. Since 2017, it has been listed on the main market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Since 2017, UNIMOT S.A. has been building a network of petrol stations in Poland, and since 2019 in Ukraine under the AVIA brand based on master franchise agreements.
Source: https://interfax.com.ua/news/investments/1091303.html
Three substances have been recognized as the most scientifically effective for improving brain function under mental stress:
Scientific commentary
It is important to understand that the key to maintaining brain activity is a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and social activity. Experts emphasize that choline and omega-3 can provide significant benefits when taken regularly. Ginkgo biloba is recommended only after careful selection and medical supervision. General health factors (diet, exercise, stress reduction) remain the most consistent means of supporting cognitive function.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered its economic growth forecast for developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025 to 4.7% from the 4.9% expected in April.
The GDP growth estimate for next year has been lowered to 4.6% from 4.7%.
“The downward revision reflects expectations of weaker exports amid higher US import tariffs and global trade uncertainty, as well as weaker domestic demand,” the ADB said in a report.
The outlook for the Asia-Pacific region could be further undermined by escalating US tariffs and trade tensions, experts say. Other risks include conflicts and geopolitical tensions that could disrupt global supply chains and lead to higher energy prices, as well as a more serious than expected deterioration in China’s real estate market.
“The economic outlook has deteriorated amid rising risks and global uncertainty,” said Albert Park, chief economist at the ADB. “Economies in the region should continue to strengthen their fundamentals and promote open trade and regional integration to support investment, employment, and growth.”
Inflation in developing Asia-Pacific countries is projected to continue slowing amid lower oil prices and high agricultural production, which will ease pressure on food prices. The ADB forecasts inflation at 2% this year and 2.1% in 2026, compared with April estimates of 2.3% and 2.2%, respectively.
The bank’s analysts still expect China’s GDP to grow by 4.7% in 2025 and 4.3% next year. Inflation this year is expected to be 0.2% (in April it was predicted to be 0.4%), and in 2026 – 0.4% (0.7%).
South Korea’s economy will grow by 0.8% this year, while previously a 1.5% increase was expected. The growth estimate for 2026 has been lowered to 1.6% from 1.9%.
India’s GDP is forecast to grow by 6.5% this year and 6.7% next year. The previous forecast predicted growth of 6.7% and 6.8%, respectively.
The ADB still expects Indonesia’s economy to grow by 5% in 2025 and 5.1% in 2026.
The ADB was established in 1966. Its shareholders are 69 countries, 49 of which are located in the Asian region.
The bank considers 46 of these countries to be developing Asian countries.
